Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview
  • Beautiful location at foot of Sabyinyo Volcano
  • One of the most upmarket lodges in the area
  • Very close to Kinigi, HQ for gorilla tracking
  • Only 8 rooms

Sabyinyo Lodge is one of the most upmarket lodges in the area, with a beautiful location at Ruhengeri near the foot of the Sabyinyo volcano. It lies very close (3km) to Kinigi, headquarters of the Volcanoes National Park. This is part of the Virunga Volcano range which straddles Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. These lush rainforest slopes are the last refuge of the mountain gorillas.

The lodge was designed, built and is run by well-respected Governors' Camps, but it’s owned by a Community Trust which funnels money generated by the lodge to the communities living close to the National Park to finance local community & conservation projects.

It's location at 7,000ft above sea level will help acclimatise you to the altitude for the gorilla trek.

Accommodation

With only 8 rooms (five double cottages, two suites and one family suite) it oozes charm and exclusivity. The cottages and main buildings are restrained but beautifully appointed. Built of local stone, they are still in keeping with the rainforest environment and well-spaced for privacy. All the cottages have a sitting room with fireplace, bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, dressing room, 24 hour electricity and a sheltered veranda with views toward the Virunga mountains.

Facilities at the main lodge include a restaurant, bar, games room and a library where you can relax and soak up the mountain atmosphere.

Activities at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Most guests at Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge will be hoping for a thrilling encounter with one of the families of mountain gorillas. Permits must be organised as far ahead as possible. But the lodge is also a good base from which to visit the bustling nearby market town of Ruhengeri, the beautiful lakes Kivu, Burera, Ruhondo and Karago, or the community and conservation projects organised by the community trust, SACOLA. Yet other clients may wish to try to add some of the 670 species of birds recorded in Rwanda to their lists.

At A Glance

  • Off the beaten track
  • Birding hotspot
  • Garden
  • Mountain Views
  • Romantic
  • Beautiful Landscapes
  • walking
  • Wifi on premises
  • Wildlife

Wilderness Sabyinyo Lodge on the map

Rooms

Cottage

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge has six cottages. All are stone buildings with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs, and feature sitting areas, fireplaces and stylish en-suite bathrooms. Space heaters supplement the log fire to create a haven of warmth. A verandah invites you to relax and enjoy the lush bird-filled gardens.

Family Cottage

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge has one Family Cottage. The family Cottage is a stone building with Rwandese terracotta tile roofs. The double room comprises a large sitting area, fireplace, stylish en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, and a dressing room. The twin room enjoys an ensuite bathroom with shower. The rooms are connected via an expansive deck that invites you to relax and enjoy the views.

Suite

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge has two suites. These extra spacious cottages enjoy an expansive sitting area, two verandahs, ensuite bathroom with shower and bath. Log fireplaces are set every night, and space heaters beside the beds create a haven of warmth in the cool mountain air.

Kate’s review of Sabyinyo Lodge

I loved Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, though it offers an unashamedly colonial-style ambience. So if you don’t like this style, you may not like Sabyinyo.

As with Bisate there are plenty of steps up to the main lodge, so it is good preparation for your gorilla hike. Though there is golf buggy access if you prefer. However the steps lead up to wonderful views from the lodge and many rooms, so they are worth it. There are 6 rooms, 1 family suite and 2 suites. The 6 rooms are very spacious with a separate dressing area and a spacious bathroom with bath and shower. Each has a fireplace, and heating in the bathroom and bedroom. The suites are larger though I don’t think you really need this extra space.

The family suite is quite secluded. It has one room of the same size as the other rooms. And then a second bedroom with twin beds and a smaller shower room. Ideal for families with adult children. But less so for two couples given the differing room sizes.

They were very welcoming and also do the little extras like cleaning your boots on arrival (which is so nice as you often want to wear them again to move around the lodge.)

I really likes this lodge and it would be my top choice for those who don't want to spend the Bisate prices. Or if Bisate was full, as it is smart enough for nearly all.

Cedarberg : Kate Bergh